This lollipop loop begins near park headquarters and winds south, tracing the southeast edge of Inks Lake, before starting a 4.2-mile clockwise loop. The wide, easy trail wanders toward the Pecan Flats area—look for the shady trees that are native to the area—and through the park's backcountry campground. You'll pass a primitive restroom facility at mile 1 and begin looping west alongside a granite ridge. The trail narrows and gets more rugged (look for the quartz that covers the ground in places). You'll bypass several right-hand trails that shortcut segments of the loop, but this route stays left, alternating between shade and open areas with stunning Hill Country views around every corner. The trail crosses several drainages, follows a dirt road briefly, and crosses swaths of granite as cruises cedar and oak woods. After passing under a large powerline, pause for nice views of Inks Lake before rounding the loop's northwest corner and turning left to cross the park road. This route turns right at the T-junction with the green-marked loop and offers more nice lake views before dipping toward its shore and closing the loop. Backtrack just 0.3 mile to the parking lot. -Mapped by Melissa Gaskill

Trail Facts

Waypoints

The trail begins on the farthest west side of the headquarters parking area. You'll dip toward the lake shore before crossing the park road.

INK002

Location: 30.733278, -98.367569

Turn left at this 3-way junction onto the yellow-marked trail and begin a 4.2-mile loop. Less than 200 yards from here, you'll cross the park road.

INK003

Location: 30.734165, -98.362285

Stay straight at this junction to continue into the Pecan Flats area. You'll pass several spur trails as you cruise past the primitive campsites. This right-hand spur reconnects with the main loop trail up ahead, bypassing the primitive camping area and shaving a few tenths of a mile from this loop.

INK004

Location: 30.733896, -98.358192

Just before mile 1, and at the loop's easternmost point, there is a composting toilet. You'll pass a few more spur trails as you begin rolling south.

INK005

Location: 30.730272, -98.359802

Though you shouldn't expect to see water in this drainage unless it has recently rained, look for water-hungry species among the cacti and shrubs.

INK006

Location: 30.728926, -98.363525

Stay left at this 3-way junction at mile 1.6, just past the route's high point. You'll continue on the red-marked trail and connect with the blue-marked trail up ahead.

INK007

Location: 30.725282, -98.364125

Just after dipping into the wash, the trail connects with an old road.

INK008

Location: 30.725328, -98.368042

At this junction between the red and blue trails, bear left. The trail on the right leads to park headquarters and shaves about 2 miles from this route.

INK009

Location: 30.722113, -98.372459

After cruising behind a rocky hilltop near mile 2.6, you'll cross under some powerlines connecting the Roy Inks Dam power plant to nearby towns. You'll pass beneath them again 0.6 mile from here as you're looping back toward the trailhead. The next 1.3 miles roll through granite-peppered Hill Country, and you'll catch a glimpse of the lake before descending toward the park road.

INK010

Location: 30.727486, -98.371196

Turn left to cross the road and join the green-marked loop heading east.

INK011

Location: 30.728925, -98.370767

Bear right and merge onto the southeast side of the green-marked trail. A rocky section precedes the dip toward the lake.

INK012

Location: 30.730622, -98.369737

Bypass the spur on the left. Up ahead, you'll cross a wooden footbridge before closing the loop and backtracking 0.3 mile north to the trailhead.

Granite

Location: 30.73432, -98.369694

The trail crosses granite surfaces regularly. In some places, posts like this will lead the way.

Woods

Location: 30.733776, -98.365091

After crossing the park road, the trail cruises a wooded area heading east.

Fork in the road

Location: 30.734182, -98.362108

The left fork continues the yellow loop, the right is a red shortcut to the other side.

Granite garden

Location: 30.733628, -98.358557

Look for this granite garden interspersed with cacti, grass and flowers. It's just past the campground and composting toilet.

Cactus

Location: 30.733665, -98.35977

Look closely for tiny cacti like this one growing among the rocks.

Tree in Rock

Location: 30.733416, -98.360081

You'll pass lots of well-established rock gardens.

Rock Garden

Location: 30.732402, -98.360553

Vista

Location: 30.730272, -98.359641

Negrohead Hill towers 300 feet above the surrounding countryside, but it's about 3.5 miles north of this vista.

Painted Rocks

Location: 30.728529, -98.363836

Lichen and moss often paint the granite rocks in vivid colors.

Trail Markers

Location: 30.725319, -98.367891

Well-marked and color coded, the trails in this system are easy to follow.

Hill Country Vista

Location: 30.724351, -98.378813

Inks Lake

Location: 30.726675, -98.376045

Toward the end of the loop you'll approach (and see more of) the lake.

An introduction to Texas' second-largest lake, this 13.25-mile round-trip paddle on Lake Livingston's western shore will have you rubbing elbows with the locals--turtles, snakes and alligators included.